Interim OL coach helps Gamecocks prepare for Birmingham Bowl

Interim OL coach John Latina has been quick to turn heads during his brief time at South Carolina.

“At first, it was a different change for us,” sophomore guard Zack Bailey said. “He’s growing on us the past couple days. We are starting to understand his style of football and what he is carrying out. He wants you to move people off the line. That’s the goal.”

Latina takes over a unit that was much maligned during the season.

The offensive line, thought to be strength in the offseason, struggled out of the gate — especially evident in a tight game against Vanderbilt and a loss to Mississippi State.

If anyone understands the dangers of an in-game injury, it’s Lattimore.

The 2010 SEC Freshman of the Year missed out on what would’ve likely been a solid NFL career due to two knee injuries suffered during his time in Columbia.

Clemson’s loss is Carolina’s gain

“I’m not scared of competition. Everywhere you go, there’s going to be competition. But I want to do what’s best for me and I want to play. Everything happens for a reason. Clemson was always one of my tops schools, but I’m not going to trip over it,” said Class of 2018 QB Dakereon Joyner when explaining his reason for dropping the Tigers.

You have to appreciate the Fort Dorchester quarterback’s candor — he’s completely transparent in his love about the idea of quarterbacking the team from the Upstate.

But with fellow Class of 2018 QB Trevor Lawrence committing to CU last week, the Gamecocks are in an excellent position with Joyner. Let’s hope coach Will Muschamp and his band of ace recruiters can capitalize on the situation.

Gamecocks drop

The Gamecocks predictably fell in the latest AP Top 25 following their loss to Seton Hall on Dec. 12.

With G Sindarius Thornwell suspended indefinitely, the No. 22 Gamecocks’ freshmen will continue to be counted on — especially with Clemson (just outside the Top 25) coming to town on Wednesday.

“I feel like with Sind being out, it gives them more opportunity to be thrown into the fire like we were our freshman year,” said senior guard Duane Notice. “But at the same time, Sind is still around. He’s still a positive voice. He’s still leading. He’s still getting reps in practice, making those guys better through practice.”